Other areas with high levels of indecent exposure include the DE22 postcode area, with seven incidents reported over the past two years. This area includes Markeaton, Mackworth, California and Kedleston.

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Tony Blockley, a senior lecturer in criminology at the University of Derby and a former chief superintendent with Derbyshire police, said there is little evidence to suggest that people who flash go on to commit further sexual offences.

He said the most common reasons for people to expose themselves were sexual gratification, power, attention and the “shock value”.

He added: “While flashing might seem quite a common thing, there’s very little academic research into the reasons why people do it.

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“I would suggest people probably have an emotional instability, a mental disorder or an issue with alcohol or drugs.

“Research suggests there is a certain age profile of people who commit this offence - around 20 to 25. Although my experience suggests they are often much older.

“People expose themselves for a variety of reasons. Sexual gratification is obviously a major factor and this boils down to a power imbalance. Somebody who is flashing feels like they have power over their victims and this could be something they lack in everyday life.

“There is also the shock value. They take enjoyment from seeing their victims shocked and distressed.”